Economic Benefits in Pennsylvania

As of 2014, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative had started 21 projects in Pennsylvania, totaling more than $4.8 million. The wildlife recreation industry in the state totals $2.8 billion, according to a 2011 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey. More than $1.2 million of that came from people watching wildlife in the state and their related expenses. Hunters and hunting contributed almost $1 million to the state, while anglers and fishing totaled almost half a million dollars in total expenses. In Pennsylvania, over 25,000 jobs are connected to the Great Lakes.

Although the state of Pennsylvania touches a small part of the Great Lakes, wildlife throughout the state—particularly birds—benefit from the health of the Lakes. The coastal area of Pennsylvania on Lake Erie provides more than 1 million jobs, including the Presque Isle State Park. Annually, the park attracts 4 million visitors and generates $67 million from visitor spending.

People out on the water enjoy a summer day around Presque Isle State Park, in Pennsylvania. Photo credit: Flickr/Cat A Smith.